DCUSH 1301 TIMELINE

Bering Land Bridge

The Bering Land Bridge was a mass of land that once connected Europe and the northern part of the Americas. This allowed the first wave of humans to migrate. The reason for migration was primarily due to the fact that our ancestors were nomadic and were following the herd of animals that were also crossing the land bridge at the time. Soon, the three waves of migrants started expanding all over the Americas.

1428

Aztecs

The Aztec Empire were first a nomadic tribe in northern Mexico but eventually settled around the city of Tenochtitlan, developing social, political and religious structures. Famously practiced human sacrifice to their religious figures for good wishes. They were the most dominant force in their region and controlled a majority of city states by the end of the 15th century. The Aztecs came to an end after conquistador, Hernan Cortez took Tenochtitlan by force.

1440

The Printing Press

The Printing press is developed by Johan Gutenburg. It allowed the reproduction of books to become more efficient and in doing so caused a rise in literacy across the European continent.

Aug 26, 1451

Christopher Columbus

Christopher Columbus, Italian Navigator, who believed the shortest route to Asia was west. This journey led to the accidental discovery of the Americas. He would make four voyages from Europe and the Americas including one voyage where he mismanaged a colony and was jailed. He dies a rich man but dies believing he had found a new route to Asia, not that he had discovered an entirely different area.

1503

Encomiendas

During the conquest era of the Spanish, a labor system was set up where natives became slaves. They worked for fear of the military and learn secrets of Christianity. The forced labor saw many natives to die form disease. African slaves would eventually replace them years later.

1521

Conquest of the Aztecs (1519-1521)

The Aztecs are conquered by Hernan Cortez, Spanish conquistador, due to technological advances such as horses, armor, and steel weapons. Cortez also allied with rival tribes in order to capture Tenochtitlan which secured the victory to the Spanish. He also captured Moctezuma which forced the Aztecs to surrender to Hernan and his forces.

1585

Roanoke (Lost Colony)

Roanoke is a English Colony established by Walter Raleigh and voyage led by John White. It was an attempt at a permanent English colony in North America in the late 16th century by Queen Elizabeth I. Twelve years after it was initially established, Raleigh was wondering what was going on with his colony only to find that it was gone. Completely disappeared and the only message that was left was ""CROATOAN" which was carved into a tree nearby. To this day, no one knows what happened.

Nov 11, 1620

The Mayflower Compact

The Mayflower Compact was a document made aboard the Mayflower that was an agreement for self government to be created and enforced in America.. It illustrated the first democratic government to be established in the colonies.

1628

Charter Colonies

Charter Colonies are colonies funded(chartered) to a person or trading company by Britain. There is no royal interference in the colony just charter. The three colonies that were charter colonies were Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts Bay.

1632

Maryland

named after English Kin's wife, Maryland was a religiously free colony under the Lord of Baltimore, George Calvert at the time until the new lord Cecil Calvert inherited Ownership. Settlers that sought to live there had to have provisions. The colony didn't make any profit before crop cultivation and became profitable in by 1640. It was eventually taken over by protestants.

1681

Quakers

Quakers were a religious group who sought religious freedom in the new colonies and were created by George Fox and led by William Penn in the new colonies. Many settled in Rhode Island and Pennsylvania (note: PENN in Pennsylvania) which served has a haven for persecuted Quakers.

1685

James II of England

James II (1st Catholic monarch in over 100 years), became monarch in England and wanted to transform government. He preferred a Spanish style government. The complete dominion of New England and New taxes. He would ally with France but later on dissolve the parliament. He asks the daughter and husband of Charles to invade England which ended bloodless but with also outed James in the Glorious Revolution of 1688.

Dec 16, 1689

English Bill of Rights

The English Bill of Rights
-Protects basic human rights of people
-No excessive bail
-no cruel or unusual punishment
-Arms suitable for defense and regulated for Parliament

1691

Salem Witch Trials

A series of prosecutions and hearings of witchcraft that led to deaths all over the colonial Massachusetts area. The main cause of the Salem Witch Trials was hysteria after a group of young girls in Salem claimed to be possessed by the devil and accused several people of witchcraft.

Jan 17, 1706

Benjamin Franklin

A founding father and man of many talents. Benjamin Franklin was the symbol of American Enlightenment. He was a politician, author, poet, scientist, etc. He is re known in the field of physics for discoveries and theories on electricity. Throughout the development of America, Benjamin Franklin served as minister to foreign relations on multiple occasions. He would pass away on April 17th, 1790.

1713

Triangular Trade

The trade between the colonies, Spain and West African countries that sold off slaves and traded them for rum. The Treaty of Utrecht gave the right to sell slaves to the Spanish empire in 1713

1714

The American Enlightenment

A period of time (1714-1818) dedicated to reason and science, not superstition. The idea was to question all pre-conceived notions such as the Greek's did (ex. Aristotle). It gave birth to American innovators and thinkers such as Sir Issac Newton, John Locke, and Benjamin Franklin. Religion was not out of question because most people were deist (no belief in god until proof). It is almost a century of thinkers and led up to the American Revolution and creation of the American Republic.

1730

The Great Awakening

(1730-1770) A evangelizing movement that scared people into becoming religious. It was a reaction to the Enlightenment and changed Colonial American society. It made Christianity deeply personal and gave ordinary people hope, a voice and a sense of self-preservation and redemption. The religious movement also reached the slaves in the south and the Natives were also being converted into this religious American wave.

1733

Georgia (colony)

Named after King George III, Georgia was originally a penal colony and transplanted prisoners and the poor. The idea was for rehabilitation in a pure environment. It served as a buffer colony and was based on enlightened ideas of reforming. Georgia started to change after having administrative problem and started importing slaves which transformed the entire colony's economy and politics.

1756

Seven Years War

The first world wide conflict. England, France and Spain all fought over territory. Britain and the colonies all desired land to the west. The war is initially started at Fort Duquesne (modern-day Pittsburgh) by George Washington. Throughout the war, Britain will sends its army and militias throughout the Ohio territory and also seize parts of Canada. The Treaty of Paris (1763) ends the war and ends French role in North America.

Jan 11, 1757

Alexander Hamilton

Founding father and immigrant from the Caribbean’s. Strong influence in government. Hamilton advocated for a strong central government and wanted the U.S to rival Britain. He wanted a class division and catered to the rich as he believed that they were what made the U.S strong. He had a strong influence over George Washington and eventually apart of the Federalist movement.

1763

Lower South (slavery)

The south became a crop cultivating economic helping machine but there is a big difference that can be divided into two sections. The Lower South was the more labor intensive as Rice became a staple crop instead of it being Tobacco in the Upper South. The reason why rice was chosen was because slaves had prior knowledge into cultivating it. The slaves were able to preserve their African Heritages far more than their upper south counterparts.

Mar 15, 1767

Andrew Jackson

Andrew “Old Hickory” Jackson was an American Soldier who served as president from 1829 to 1837. He was labelled the president for the common man because of his portrayal that he was just like the common person and came up from humble beginnings. In his presidency, He showed his democratic values and care towards preserving the union. But, He also forcibly removed the Indians off their own land and had them all relocated. He well known for his action into maintaining the union and bettering it

1771

Coercive Acts (Intolerable Acts)

The Coercive Acts or Intolerable Acts were implemented by the British Parliament in 1774 as a way to punish Americans for the Boston Tea Party. The acts consisted of the Boston Port Act, Massachusetts Government Act, the Administration of Justice Act, and the Quartering Act of 1774. This was the final straw for Americans and tensions were high. The Revolution broke out the following year

Dec 16, 1773

Boston Tea Party

The Boston Tea Party is an act of protest that involved a group Americans, called the Sons of Liberty, that dressed up as Indians and went to the Boston port to throw imported tea off the ships into the harbor. This ignited a rage in the British parliament that they sought to retaliate with a series of acts which would in turn anger Americans to the point where they declare war.

Apr 19, 1775

Battle of Lexington

The Battle of Lexington is the first time the redcoats meet the militias. It is dubbed “the shot heard round the world” because it being the firefight conflict between the two forces. The cause of the battle was the British concern and seizure of military supplies. The British met the militias and greatly overwhelmed them due to the size of the British army compared to the unorganized militias. After Lexington, The Redcoats marched towards Concord.

Jan 10, 1776

Common Sense by Thomas Paine

Written by Thomas Paine, this pamphlet is what encouraged the independence from Great Britain to the thirteen colonies. It showed a democratic representative government and attacked the monarchy. It was widely popular and accessible due to how cheap it was. American colonial views of monarchy greatly changed.

Jul 4, 1776

Declaration of Independence

Independence wasn’t expressed as an option but only a chance. The Declaration of Independence declares colonies as united and independent states. It spelled the grievances it had against the British. Thomas Jefferson was charged with writing the draft and it was completed on July the 2nd but signed on the 4th. The document also stated it was looking for European allies, mainly in the French or Spain as they were prepared to go to war.

Nov 15, 1777

Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation was the first government of the new United States. It established a loose “friendship” between independent states. There was no central authority so hostility was prominent when they were put together. The main problem of the Articles of Confederation was it could not raise any taxes and had no authority over any state. It eventually failed and had to be replaced.

1780

Architecture

Architecture moved away from the British but towards a more Greek approach. The emergence of columns on houses is an example. They all had some Democratic symbolism to have sense of pride in one country after being “oppressed by the British”.

Sep 28, 1781

Battle of Yorktown

The Battle of Yorktown is the final battle of the American Revolution. The British have retreated to the city of Yorktown where this is their last stand. The major factor to the American win was the French joining in and taking Yorktown by ocean. The Americans led by George Washington while The French who are led by Lafayette lay siege to the town and the British eventually surrendered.

Sep 3, 1783

Treaty of Paris - 1783

The Treaty of Paris end the Revolutionary War. It recognizes the United States as an independent nation and establishes a northern border. They are to restore loyalist properties but both nations will still have access to the Mississippi River. The frontier land of Mississippi is given up but some of these claims are not upheld

1786

Shay's Rebellion

Daniel Shay will start a rebellion caused by the following recession and farms being seized. It is led by revolutionary war veterans and begins to spread around the newly formed United States. It essentially tests the power of the Articles of Confederation. The rebellion will be put down but creates a sense of urgency that leaders will agree that there needs to be a change. There is a constitution reform and it is decided the Articles of Confederation had no central authority and is ruled out.

1787

Connecticut Plan

Referred to as “Great Compromise”, Modern-day congress is set up on this plan. It suggests there to be a Bi-cameral legislature. The house of Representatives would be based on population. But, each small state was to have at least 2 representatives.

1787

3/5th Compromise

3/5th Compromise is devised to solve a very contentious issue of how to count slaves for delegates appointed to each state. Northern States were considered “anti-slavery states” and Southern States were considered “Pro-Slavery States”. It was settled that Slaves would count as 3/5th of a person each.

May 29, 1787

Virginia Plan

The Virginia plan is for large populated states. It abandons the Articles of Confederation. There is strong governmental authority but only when given. There would be a single executive/president. There would be a separate judiciary/supreme court. There would be two house legislative: Upper House, senate, elected by lower house, Lower House , house of reps, elected by the people. There would be population based representation, small states would lose out on this

Jun 15, 1787

New Jersey Plan

The New Jersey plan only modifies the plan of the Articles of Confederation. It suggests there to be a single legislature, “one state one vote.”, Legislature would be the supreme law of the land

1788

Election of 1788

The first Election and it is between George Washington and John Adams. Washington wins as he’s viewed as a “god-like figure” and is everyone’s choice due to his role in the war and leadership. John Adams become Vice President as at the time whoever was second in running became V.P.

1789

French Revolution

The main cause was famine. People were starving and upset about it. The French people overthrew the monarchy. As Americans, we saw this as an extension of our revolution in Europe. The revolution became radicalized and the first use of the guillotine is introduced. The King Louis XVI is executed for treason in 1793. Republicans such as Jefferson idolize the revolution while the federalist denounce it.

Sep 25, 1789

Bill of rights

written by James Madison, which proposed the first 10 amendment sthat guaranteed individual rights and liberties.

-Freedom Speech, Religion, Press, Assembly
-Right to Bear Arms
-Quartering of Troops
-Illegal Search and Seizures
-right to jury
-right to a speedy and public trial
-right to trial by jury
-no cruel and unusual punishments , excessive bail
-constitution may not retain rights of the people
-may not restrict state rights.

1791

Whiskey Rebellion

The Whiskey Rebellion is caused by Pennsylvania and Kentucky farmers being upset about the government taxing their whiskey. The Whiskey was economically important as it earned a large profit. Farmers will revolt and this served as the 1st test of the constitution. 6,000 people threatened to attack Pittsburgh but Washington leads army and crushes them. (1791-1794)

Mar 2, 1793

Sam Houston

Sam Houston was a general, soldier and politician during the Texas revolution. He is most well-known for his victory in the Battle of San Jacinto that secured victory and independent of Texas from Mexico. He goes onto become the third president of the republic of Texas and supported annexation to the United states and even became governor of Texas. His roots lie deep in Texas history

Feb 21, 1794

Antonio Lopez De Santa Ana

General of the Mexican Army during the Texas revolution. His campaign was successful as he clearly wiped through the Texaians easily. His forces were so intimidating that people were running away from news that he was heading closer into Texas. This a changed on the Battle of San Jacinto where he made the mistake to divide his army and take a nap where he was taken by surprised by the Texas army and was taken capture forced to sign the treaty of Velasco ending war and gives Texas independence

Mar 14, 1794

Cotton Gin

Invented by Eli Whitney, it easily removed the seeds from cotton and revolutionized it. Cotton production exploded and became the main southern income. Slavery was on a downfall but due to the demand and innovation of the cotton gin, Slavery was right back up and even increased from what it previously was.

Sep 19, 1796

Washington's Farewell Address

Washington’s Farewell Address is important as it set an example for all presidents to come after. He stepped down after 2 terms but he could’ve kept going but it was himself who saw it was right to do so. He wanted the U.S to avoid conflicts and foreign affairs. He warmed of no permanent alliances and temporary alliances were OK. John Adams wins the following election

1797

XYZ Affair

The XYZ Affair is a diplomatic and political episode where the Jay Treaty created problems and limited French trade. John Adams sends envoys but are ignored and wanted concessions. The Americans are offended by this but now the French want an apology for it. Word had gotten out, and Republicans were outraged at such event. This led to a undeclared naval war between France and America which in turn triples the army and establishes the American Navy.(1797-1798)

Apr 30, 1803

Louisiana Purchase

Jefferson wanted a nation of farmers. The Louisiana Purchase is possible after Napoleon wanted to sell land to fund his army and European conquest. Jefferson purchases the land for 3 cents an acre and doubles the size of the United States. Jefferson assigned Lewis, secretary to Jefferson, and Clark, army officer and map maker, to explore the newly bought territory. The expedition lasts 3 years and great knowledge about the natives, wild life, and geographical land is learned.

1807

Embargo Act of 1807

The Embargo Act deprives Britain and France of American goods. American seaports were unfavorable in decision. This hurts the economy badly and affect the south and northeast mostly. A consequence from the Act is the British will supply natives with guns and supplies that will lead to native raids on Americans.

1807

Steamboats

The first successful steam boat was developed and built by Robert Fulton in 1807. They became an efficient way to travel through canals and rivers. It could transport goods and people using those waterways at a moderate pace. They dominated united states water transportation but could not transition to the high seas very well.

Dec 14, 1814

Battle of New Orleans

The Battle of New Orleans was the last major battle of the War of 1812. It was a decisive victory in the Americans favor and pushed the British back. The Americans led by Andrew Jackson prevent the seizure of New Orleans and territory acquired from the Louisiana Purchase. The Treaty of Ghent was already signed on December 24, 1814 but the skirmishes did not end and the British troops did not retreat until January 18th. This battle solidified Andrew Jackson's status, honor and reputation.

1819

Panic of 1819

There is an Economic boom after the War of 1812. The Second Bank of the United States is made but when prices fell, The banks failed and the economy went down. Inflation was the main issue and not being able to provide currency was the major problem. It led to a nationwide depression where nearly everyone was affected. It caused one of the worst depressions in American history

1819

McCulloh v Maryland

A landmark supreme court case. It was the supreme court that gave federal government implied powers. The state of Maryland passed legislation to impose tax on the bank but James McCulloh, a cashier in the Baltimore branch, refused to pay. It was decided that states cannot take place of federal government. The court case essentially was the States vs Federal and McCulloh wins.

1820

Missouri Compromise

Missouri applies for admissions as a slave state but northern states and southern states both have conflicting views over admission. The Missouri Compromise sets a balance between slave and free states. It draws an imaginary line at 36 30 latitudes. States that are above the line are free states and states below are slave states. This guaranteed future conflict between the two states.

1820

Temperence Movement

The Temperance Movement was to advocate the abstinence from alcohol. Alcohol consumption was at an all-time high and people drank all day. One reason was men were getting drunk and coming home to beat their wives. This movement drastically reduced alcohol consumption and some states even banned alcohol.

Oct 26, 1824

Election of 1824

There is no clear picked successor so there were 4 candidates: John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, William Crawford, and Henry Clay. Jackson would go to win the popular vote but the electoral college would end in a tie between Adams and Jackson. Adams is chosen which angers Jackson and vows for revenge.

Oct 31, 1828

Election of 1828

Andrew Jackson has devised a new strategy to win this election. He is to portray his humble origins to convey he is one with the common man, highlight his military career, and his democratic values. He would be the start of the modern democratic system. One tactic used by each candidate was personal attacks they each went at each other for being womanizers etc. But, Jackson “grassroots” portrayal stuck and fliers and donation for Jackson start the first modern campaign. Jackson wins landslide

1830

Planters

The Planters were the “high class” of the southern society. Most of them did not own slaves but if they did it’d be from 1-9 slaves. They were the ruling class and wanted to have this lifestyle not changed.

1830

Free Black Communities

There was a Large Population of Free Black Communities located in the North and Midwest. Segregation was still active in the north so discrimination and prejudice was still in effect. They competed for jobs with the incoming immigrants and hostilities rose with additional prejudice due so.

1830

Slave Codes

A set of new southern laws where they limited travel for slaves and defined the property rights of masters. Slaves were outlawed from being able to read or write. None of these Slave codes could be testified in the court as planters usually served as the judge and jury which meant total southern influence and bias in court.

1830

Shakers

The United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing or shakers, is a Christian sector group founded in 18th century England but once it made it over to America, it had quite a small following. Its beliefs included one to be celibate, equality among sexes, no private property, and they did not believe in marriage or procreation. They were a communistic community having complete control over what their followers was retaining and practicing.

1830

Thomas Cole

Thomas Cole was American artist primarily painter that would paint the landscapes and overall nature. His success is accompanied by the idea of Transcendentalism and people were more appreciative of what the subject was. It left a disconnect from the real world and his painting put the audience in another scene.

1830

Edgar Allen Poe

Edgar Allen Poe was an American Poet and author. Transcendentalism affected his poetry because he despised it. He was an anti-Transcendentalism. His poetry speaks of death and suffering while Transcendence is all about spirituality and finding one in the natural world. His work was the balance between what was being preached.

Apr 6, 1830

Mormons

Mormons or The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints are a religious group related to Christianity started by Joseph Smith. The origins of the religion go to Smith who finds a Golden Tablet that is written in a completely different language that he could only read. From then on, the following Mormonism has gained is great. It starts in the state of New York but he eventually moved the Mormons to the state of Utah.

1831

Trail of Tears

The Trail of tears was a set of Indians being forcibly removed for their homelands and relocated to west of the Mississippi River. The Cherokees were forced to leave and relocated to Oklahoma but thousands will die doing so. This was a result of the Indian removal Act of 1830 where Jackson kicks out natives in order to make room for white settlements.

Aug 21, 1831

Nat Turner's Slave Rebellion

Nat turner’s Slave Rebellion took place in Southampton County, Virginia. It was the most successful, largest , and deadliest slave uprising. The rebels consisted of liberated slaves and some free men. The rebel slaves kill from 55 to 65 people, men, women and children. What led to the uprising was Nat Turner interpreting natural events as god telling him to stand up against the whites. This uprising is eventually suppressed and Nat Turner and other slaves are hung.

1833

Whig Party

The Whig Party formed in 1833 which originally formed to oppose Andrew Jackson’s policies. The Whigs favored a strong central government and populist style politics (anti-masonic) The believed in the defense of minority rights and were against slavery. The Whigs even accepted minorities into their party. They believed they needed talented individuals to run the country.

1833

American Anti-Slavery Society (AASS)

The American Anti-Slavery Society is a abolitionist society founded by William Lloyd Garrison, and Arthur Tappan. Frederick Douglas was a key member after being an escaped slave who spoke at meetings. As their name suggests, they were against slavery but slavery was such an economical force in these times that if any stoppage would have major blow to the economy. The group eventually split up into different factions by 1840 such as the American and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society.

Apr 21, 1836

Battle of San Jacinto

The Battle of San Jacinto is the battle that secures the independence of Texas from Mexico. It was a clear decisive victory due to Santa Ana’s two mistakes of dividing his troops and taking a nap. This allows Sam Houston, who led the Texans to battle, to surprise him and completely running over the unprepared army. Santa Ana is captured and Signs the Treaty of Velasco.

Nov 3, 1836

Election of 1836

Martin Van Buren wins the election over William Henry Harrison. He barely wins against the Whig Party. Van Buren inherits a very bad economy due to the conflicting issues over the Bank which cause the Panic of 1837. Martin Van Buren is dubbed “Martin Van Ruin” due to the lack luster job it seemed he has done due to an inherited economy.

1838

First Police Forces

The First Modern police forces were made to deal with conflicts that arose during the industrial revolution. This included arguments of Immigration, Racial tension, Political discourse, religious conflicts, temperance, slavery issues, and urban crowding. The first forces were stabled in the end of 1830s and 1840s. The Official New York Police Force was established in 1845.

1840

Election of 1840

Martin Van Buren runs for re-election and runs against William Henry Harrison. This run is filled with personal smears. Harrison’s Party, The Whigs, convinces women to influence their husbands to vote. Martin Van Buren loses in a landslide victory to William Harrison. This could be due to the view on his past presidency and how poor he did. William Henry Harrison only becomes President for a month before passing away then Vice President John Tyler takes over.

1840

Popular Sovereignty

Popular Sovereignty proposed that states allow to choose their own paths: Slave or Free? Would slavery be decided as a territory or a state? It is a way of democracy that leaves the power in the people hands and is a group majority based election or decision.

May 24, 1844

Telegraph

The telegraph machine and language was developed by Samuel Morse. The telegraph machine allowed for long distance communication to be completely revolutionized as it worked by sending signals electrically through wires. The language developed for it was called Morse Code named after Samuel Morse himself. The telegraph laid groundwork for years of telecommunication for years to come.

1845

Manifest Destiny

*the date is the first time the word was published
Manifest Destiny is the belief that America was to rule from coast to coast, sea to sea. It allowed for massive westward expansion through barter and even warfare. It also called for the removal of native tribes and migrants to explore these new untouched frontiers.

1846

Mexican-American War

The Mexican-American War is started by a dispute over borders such as Texas and California. Zachary Taylor was to go to the disputed territory but was attacked so James K Polk asks for a declaration of war which he does receive. Americans March from Kansas to California. The Bear Flag Revolt is when California declares independence from Mexico and several battles result in the American victory. The treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is to settle the border dispute and end the war.

1846

Gringo

The term Gringo comes from the song that American Soldiers would sing called “Green Hills We Go” The song itself was a marching song but the Mexican army would refer to the White Americans as “Gringos” due to the title of the song.

Jul 19, 1848

Seneca Falls Convention

Held in New York, it was an organization of the suffrage movement. A two-day event to discuss the conditions and treatment of women. Its leaders were Elizabeth Cady Station and Lucretia Matt. It attracted widespread attention even men showed support for women including Fredrick Douglas. There was around 300 Men and Women who attended the convention.

1849

California Gold Rush

The California Gold Rush was the largest mass migration in American History and The colonization of California was so rapid. The news of Gold being found spread quickly and mining operations would start commencing immediately. With Mining, conditions for those miners became horrible and would eventually lead to a worker reform. 200k people would migrate by 1852.

Sep 18, 1850

Fugitive Slave Act

The Fugitive Slave Act was passed by congress as a part of the Compromise of 1850. It allowed the tracking of runaways slaves that went to the north and requires to return back to the South. This meant that any person accused of being a runaway slave was to return to their “owner” and anyone could claim ownership. This encouraged others to assist in the tracking down of slaves.

Mar 20, 1852

Uncle Tom's Cabin

Uncle Tom's Cabin was written by Harriet Beecher Stowe and it was an anti-slavery novel that tells of the injustice and horrible things that slave have to endure. This book became widely popular and had made people turn against slavery. It is regarded as one of the main causes of the Civil War. It was such an impact that another propaganda book was written in response to it, Aunt Philis’ Cabin.

May 30, 1854

Kansas-Nebraska Act

Southerners were afraid of two new free states being admitted into the union and wanted to abolish the Missouri Compromise. They also wanted a transcontinental railroad to run through the south as it would mean power. So, the bill is introduced and the Missouri Compromise and it’s 36 30 latitude line is repealed. Kansas will enter as a slave state and Nebraska as a free state and the act will pass.

Aug 16, 1859

John Brown Raid

John Brown’s Raid would serve to be the final draw for the south start the civil war. The abolitionist John Brown believed God had called upon him to end slavery ad he planned to take Harper’s Ferry and take control of the federal arsenal there. He planned to spread a slave revolt but no slaves every came so Robert E Lee quickly disposed of John Brown and his raiders and Brown became a martyr in the North.

1860

White resistance `

Many whites resented Black rights. Groups such as the White Brotherhood and the Ku Klux Klan made poor whites feel like they weren’t at the bottom of the social ladder. They punished blacks and supported whites for challenging the social order. Grant tries to stop suppression with Enforcement Acts.

Nov 6, 1860

Election of 1860

The election was up between the Democrats: John Breckinridge and John Bell to Republican: Abraham Lincoln. The Democrats at the time were a divided party formed the Constitutional Union Party. While Lincoln, had few political enemies and a moderate approach to slavery. Lincoln wins because of the division in the Democratic Party. Southerners are upset about the win and secession begins.

Dec 18, 1860

Critten Compromise

The compromise was to reinstate the 36 39 to the Pacific Ocean for new states but Lincoln shut it down because he favored the constitutional amendment protecting slavery in the south. The Confederate States of America decide to be independent and would not go back to the Union.

1861

North (Union)

The population of the north was 22 million. The advantage that the North had over the South was the Industrialization, it had 110,000 factories, it was a $1.5 billion industry, 97% is weapon manufacturing, 94% of clothing, 90% shoes and boots. The railroad was a clear advantage and believed they were fighting to uphold the Constitution.

1861

South (Confederacy)

The population of the South was 5.5 million and around 3.5 million slaves. The South lacked in Industry compared to the North as it only had 18,000 factories, $55 million industry and only was 3% of weapon manufacturing in America. The clear advantage that south had was a great history of War Generals and Fine military leadership. They had hoped to gain a European ally.

1861

Trent Affair

The Confederates sent diplomats to Europe aboard The RMS Trent, a British ship. The USS San Jacinto intercepts them and takes those two confederate diplomats. Britain is outraged and demands an apology. Lincoln ends up releasing the Confederate diplomats and sends U.S diplomats to secure the British and French neutrality

Jul 21, 1861

Battle of Bull Run

The first major battle of the Civil ware where 30,000 Union Troops (Army of the Potomac) will march south. This will be a humiliating defeat for the Union and cause Union troops to flee to D.C. In response to this Lincoln does two things, authorize enlistment of 1 million men and puts George McClellan in charge of the army.

Jan 1, 1863

Emancipation Proclamation

The Emancipation Proclamation is an executive order from Lincoln that will end slavery besides the border states and show that the war is now about slavery. This is an overall morale boost for the union and this stops Britain from entering the war as they were opposed to slavery and were about to assist the Confederacy.

1863

Lincoln's 10% Plan

Lincoln’s 10% Plan or the Amnesty and Reconstruction Plan would have pardoned all southerners except officers and officials. It was a very lenient plan and all southerners had to do to gain citizenship was to take an oath to the Union. The Southern states were to apply for federal recognition and form new state governments. This never happens because of Lincoln’s sudden assassination.

Jul 1, 1863

Battle of Gettysburg

The Battle of Gettysburg is the most important and bloodiest battle. It is the absolute turning point of the ware and lasts three days. On day 1, Confederate troops advance on union position. It is Back and Forth fighting on day 2. But on the third day, The Confederacy made the mistake of charging up the middle and the Union will devastate the charge. The Confederacy loses 1/3 of their army and General Lee will retreat back to the South.

1864

Wade-Davis Bill

The Wade-Davis Bill would punish confederate leaders and destroy slave society. The l southerners had to take an oath declaring they never aided the confederacy. Confederate officers would be stripped of citizenship and Confederate states would be readmitted after long punishment and clear commitment to the Union.

Jan 31, 1865

Freedom Amendments

The Freedom Amendments were newly introduced amendments that suggested the fair treatment of slaves after slavery. 13th Amendment would abolish slavery. 14th Amendment would guarantee citizenship to anyone who born or naturalized in the united states and the 15th amendment gave African American slaves the right to vote.

Apr 14, 1865

Assassination of Abraham Lincoln

The Assassination took place at the Ford’s Theater in Washington D.C. by well known actor at the time John Wilkes Booth, who was to be apart of the play at the time. It takes place 5 days after Appomattox Courthouse. He is shot point black in the back of his head in his balcony booth. John Wilkes Booth would escape but to be found 3 weeks later. Lincoln dies the next day.

Nov 3, 1868

Election of 1868

The candidates were Ulysses S. Grant and Horatio Seymour. Grant’s campaign was for political moderation and peace. This election showed that whites in the north and south are racist. The black vote became very important but blacks were intimidated by violence to keep from voting. That’s when the 15th amendment had to be implemented.

1873

Panic of 1873

The Panic of 1873 came as a result of over-speculation of the railroad industry. It set the booming economy back until 1877. The effect it had was African Americans became less important because of the panic. Democrats would be voted into office in 1874 and Grant would reduce efforts in policing the south.